What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
- Baptism is for every person who has personally received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
- The word baptism in the Greek is “baptize” meaning “to dip” or “to immerse.” This literal meaning of the word is a beautiful picture of what baptism represents spiritually. The very moment we trust Christ as our Savior, we are identified with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection.
- Baptism is rich in symbolism, for it depicts the new life that is given through faith in Christ. Though baptism doesn’t bring salvation to a person, it is a delightful depiction of the new life that Christ promises.
- When a person is immersed in water, it is symbolic of the death of what Scripture calls the “old nature”. It is a portrayal of leaving behind ungodly habits and practices—in essence, putting those things to death.
- When a person is raised up from the water, it is a symbol of the new life that is found in Christ. The old has been washed away, the new has begun—a new life characterized by freedom from sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:3-4
Why Should I Be Baptized?
1. Christ COMMANDED it. “Jesus said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 2. Baptism illustrates Christ’s promise to create a new life in me through the DEATH and RESURRECTION of Christ. “Christ died for our sins … He was buried … and He rose again.” 1 Corinthians 15:3,4 “For you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12 3. Baptism illustrates my ACCEPTANCE by God into the Christian community. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 “There is one body and one Spirit … one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all….” Ephesians 4:4, 5 Baptism does not make you a believer– it declares that you already believe. Baptism is like a wedding ring. It’s the outward symbol of the inward commitment you made to trust Christ as a new believer. The water is a symbol of cleansing and symbolizes that your sins have been washed away by Christ. (1 John 1:9)
How May I Be Baptized?
The Wesleyan Church offers 3 methods of baptism.
- By immersion = a person is dipped under the water.
- By sprinkling = water is sprinkled on a person’s head.
- By pouring = water is poured over a person.
All three can be meaningful moments of commitment. The method of your baptism is not as important as your public profession of your faith in Christ. If you were baptized as an infant, you need to now publicly declare your decision to follow Christ.
When Should I Be Baptized?
As soon as possible after you have put your faith in Christ. “Those who believed … were baptized … that day!” Acts 2:41 Baptism is not the sign that you are perfect. It is a symbol of Christ’s acceptance of you and your acceptance of Him. It represents that you have decided to follow Jesus. *If you have accepted Christ and have not been baptized we would love to talk more about it with you. Please contact the office and Pastor Ryan will schedule a time to meet with you.
